CHICAGO — Today Ford unveiled a taxi version of its 2010 Transit Connect utility van that will go on sale in late 2010. In addition to its reconfigured interior, the Transit Connect Taxi will also offer fleet operators the option of running the vehicle on compressed natural gas or propane.
"While meeting with taxi operators in cities throughout the U.S., we found considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "The Transit Connect Taxi, combined with an engine modified by Ford to use CNG/LPG, is designed to meet that need. This marks a new era in 'green' transit."
Ford also announced that it will offer alternative fuel capability across the Transit Connect lineup. Ford already offers a similar option for its full-size Econoline vans. Ford says that a standard Transit Connect Taxi will offer a 30 percent fuel savings over most traditional taxis.
The interior of the Transit Connect Taxi was reconfigured for additional passenger room by moving the first-row seat back 3 inches. Auxiliary climate controls were also added to the rear seat area, along with additional windows. Ford also partnered with a company called Creative Mobile Technologies to offer a passenger information screen that can be used to show maps, TV programming and payment information.
Inside Line says: Ford continues to find ways to make the Transit Connect an interesting alternative for businesses that need specialized vehicles. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
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ford_flexer says:
02:58 PM, 08/19/2010
i love this idea ford always knows the way to go with cars. they made the transit connect so versatile but the only people that i think care what kind of taxi there in are relativley large people (fat or tall) but if i saw one of these i would try my hardest to hail it heck i might even be a cabbie for this.
bankerdanny says:
05:50 AM, 02/10/2010
Compressor, I can't speak for anybody else. But I care. As I mentioned, I'm a big guy. The standard Crown Vic with the center wall never has enough leg room for me. My knees hit the wall and it is very difficult to get into and out of, especially if I have someone with me.
I actively look for vans, SUV's, and the Scion taxis if I have the time.
jepontiac says:
03:41 AM, 02/10/2010
compressor: as I said no it deosn't matter to me. But in many places the crown vic is synomous with taxis, like the London Cab is to England. I just wonder if Ford plans on this having the same cache and respect the Crown Vic did. Once again I'm ok with it, but that doesn't mean it is a good business plan for Ford.
compressor says:
07:34 PM, 02/09/2010
jepontiac - Does anyone really care what kind of car their taxi is? To me (and I think almost everyone else) they are a mode in which to get from point A to point B as cheaply as possible. They could make a car that looked literally like a giant lobster. If it pulled to the curb when I hailed for a cab, I'm "all in."
bankerdanny says:
08:22 AM, 02/09/2010
We have an increasing number of Scion tD taxis here in Chicago. They work very well, I'm 6-4 and fit much better in the Scion than a Crown Vic, even the extended wheelbase versions.
With that roofline I hope that the seat is high so that I can sit in one without my knees up at my ears.
Why no diesel for the taxi? It would seem like a natural fit.
adavis2493 says:
07:10 AM, 02/09/2010
I don't know how I never thought of this any earlier. The Transit Connect is a wonderful car for being a taxi. It's good on gas, relatively cheap, and has a lot of space.
The only thing I worry about is reliability, and the US Parts Network.
jepontiac says:
07:00 AM, 02/09/2010
So this is Ford's replacement for the Crown Vic? Doesn't bother me, but how does everyone else feel. I mean minivan taxis are nothing new, so I guess it should work without a problem.
charlesb says:
10:40 PM, 02/08/2010
The Transit Connect is a niche vehicle for flowershops and pizza delivery.
icecubefosho says:
09:08 PM, 02/08/2010
This is actually a pretty good/nice idea.